What Do We Do Now?

Churches throughout the country are discovering one startling fact - the spiritual landscape has changed. For the first time in the history of the country, no longer are people interested in God. In fact, many question whether God even exists; if there are really places called heaven and hell; and the vast majority have no idea what sin is. This condition creates a major issue for churches, because what once worked for evangelism, now is virtually ineffective. The challenge now becomes a major question. Do we change our approach and become what we must, in order to reach the lost, or do we continue to do business as usual, and let fate takes its ultimate course? For those who plan to sit and attempt to wait out the storm, they may be in for a rude awakening. Unfortunately, many who adopt this course of action, find themselves permanently locking their doors and selling their buildings, all-the-while struggling to accept their reality. However, there is another group who has been nicknamed the “Scrappy Church.” They have been given this name because they refuse to give up, and are committed to struggle, fight to survive, and do whatever is necessary to remain viable and effective in their community. They are scrappy in their attitude. One of the common traits of scrappy churches is they all have a greater sense of purpose and see their work as the work of the Holy Spirit - with them merely as caretakers of their community. They don’t bail out when the tide turns, as they witness more leaving than coming. They remain hopeful and steadfast that another soul could enter the building seeking salvation at any time, so they work, watch, and wait as they seek direction from God. Our plight is not much different than the two aforementioned groups. We have a choice whether we choose to be like the first group who throws in the towel and gives up, or we can choose to be a “Scrappy Church” whose will and desire in serving God has no quit in them. I am convinced we are a “Scrappy” group, and our refusal to give up and “pack it in” will be rewarded by our Lord. There are still many souls to be saved, so let us do all we can, to continue to reach the lost, and be Jesus to those looking for the cross.
 
Blessings.
Lamar